Magnetic properties changes of MnAs thin films irradiated with highly charged ions

TL;DR

This study explores how highly charged ion irradiation affects the structural and magnetic properties of MnAs thin films, revealing dose-dependent structural changes and significant modifications in magnetic behavior.

Contribution

First investigation of highly charged ion effects on MnAs thin films, demonstrating structural and magnetic property modifications due to ion bombardment.

Findings

Lattice spacing varies with ion dose.

Surface magnetic properties are strongly modified.

Structural changes depend on irradiation dose.

Abstract

We present the first investigation on the effect of highly charged ion bombardment on a manganese arsenide thin film. The MnAs films, 150 nm thick, are irradiated with 90 keV Ne$^{9+}$ ions with a dose varying from $1.6\times10^{12}$ to $1.6\times10^{15}$ ions/cm$^2$. The structural and magnetic properties of the film after irradiation are investigated using different techniques, namely, X-ray diffraction, magneto-optic Kerr effect and magnetic force microscope. Preliminary results are presented. From the study of the lattice spacing, we measure a change on the film structure that depends on the received dose, similarly to previous studies with other materials. Investigations on the surface show a strong modification of its magnetic properties.